Donald Lee Bechtold, 86, North Manchester, Indiana died at 9:53 a.m. on Sunday, December 30, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his residence. He was born in Huntington County, Indiana on September 12, 1932 to William & Edith Leona (Frushour) Bechtold. On September 19, 1953 Don was united in marriage to Carol Joan Gump. She preceded him in death on June 8, 1992. On February 5, 1994 he married Helen Howard-Ross, who survives.
Don was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church, a 1951 Chester High School graduate, and served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955. Don loved and cared for his horses on his “ranch”, the Golden B Farm. Gifted with his hands, he made the harnesses for his mini-horse hitches, which he crafted with his woodworking skills. Don was a man who would wear out a pair of work gloves by working in his yard and around his farm. Simply said, he was always doing something.
Family was paramount in Don’s life. A devoted father of five, Don was a caring patriarch to his large family. His grandchildren will forever cherish their memories with him and fondly recall his unending love and support. Don also enjoyed spending time with family in Kentucky.
In addition to his wife Helen, Don will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kevin J. (Karen) Bechtold, North Manchester, Indiana; Todd L. (Amy) Bechtold, South Whitley, Indiana; Donna (Daniel) Zellers, Rochester, Indiana; Janet (Steve) Woodward, Rochester, Indiana; Laura (Mike) West, North Manchester, Indiana. Don’s surviving brothers and sisters are Melvin Bechtold, Columbia City, Indiana; Tom (Marcella) Bechtold, North Manchester, Indiana; Terry (Becky) Bechtold, Urbana, Indiana; Larry Bechtold, North Manchester, Indiana; Betty McCune, Markle, Indiana and Shelba (Dean) Neher, North Manchester, Indiana. Don also leaves nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Billy Joe, Max, Richard and Jerry Bechtold and one sister, Opal McColley.
Services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Friends may call on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary. Pastor Paul Sluss will officiate the services, and burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Servia, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Donald Lee Bechtold, memorial contributions may be made to the North Manchester Historical Society, PO Box 361, North Manchester, IN 46962.